In 2024, global temperatures have officially surpassed the 1.5 degrees Celsius increase above pre-industrial levels, reaching an average of 1.6 degrees. This marks the hottest year ever recorded, and with the impacts of climate change evident worldwide, urgent action is needed to address emissions and adapt to the escalating climate crises.
In 2024, global temperatures reached unprecedented levels, marking the first full year in which they surpassed a worrying 1.5 degrees Celsius increase above pre-industrial levels. According to data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global temperature was reported at 1.6 degrees Celsius above those levels, confirming 2024 as the hottest year ever documented. This notable rise represents an increase of over 0.1 degrees Celsius compared to the record set in 2023, emphasizing a concerning trend as each of the last ten years has been the warmest on record.
The implications of exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold are profound, especially considering commitments made under the 2015 Paris Agreement aimed at mitigating catastrophic climate change impacts. While this first instance does not officially breach the agreement’s targets, it signals a significant movement closer to surpassing them as increased fossil fuel emissions continue to exacerbate global temperatures. Reports of devastating climate change effects have manifested worldwide, with wildfires in regions like California, Bolivia, and Venezuela, severe flooding in countries such as Nepal, Sudan, and Spain, and heatwaves inflicting heavy tolls in Mexico and Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the relentless increase in atmospheric water vapor, reaching a new record in 2024, has compounded extreme weather events, leading to intensified storms and greater rainfall. Despite the undeniable reality of these climate issues, political inertia in some regions regarding emissions reduction persists. Notably, the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has publicly dismissed the scientific consensus surrounding climate change, despite its well-documented human causes and repercussions. As the year progresses, the urgency for effective climate action continues to escalate.
The announcement regarding global temperatures surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is grounded in established climate science that dates back to the industrial revolution. The 2015 Paris Agreement set out collective goals for countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with a target of no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, to prevent catastrophic climate impacts. The dire effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, showing severe consequences across continents, including natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and severe heatwaves that are attributed to rising global temperatures.
In summary, 2024’s record-high global temperatures have raised alarms regarding climate change, marking a historical milestone in the ongoing battle against rising emissions. The data underscores the urgent need for global cooperation to adhere to the Paris Agreement and implement effective climate action measures. As extreme weather events become more frequent and devasting, the international community must confront political obstructions that hinder progress toward sustainable solutions. Failure to act decisively risks exacerbating the already dire consequences of climate change.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
